Light therapy apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

An extra-oral light therapy device comprises a support that registers against features of a patient&#39;s head. A light source is mounted to the support. The light source may comprise an array of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). A controller controls the extra-oral light therapy device. The support may comprise a tray fitted to the patient&#39;s teeth or a head-set fitted to the patient&#39;s ears and the bridge of the patient&#39;s nose. An external light therapy device has a thin, molded substrate, at least one array of light emitters mounted onto the thin, molded substrate, an attaching means for removably attaching the device to an area of treatment, and a controller for controlling the external light therapy device. Methods for supporting light sources adjacent desired treatment locations and for treating jaw bone disorders and jaw osteonecrosis and biostimulating bone and soft tissue are also disclosed.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/355,583 which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/705,753, filed on Aug. 5, 2005 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/653,828, filed on Feb. 17, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to light therapy. Apparatus and methods according to the invention may be applied to the treatment of bone disorders and the biostimulation of bone and soft tissue. Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus for irradiating tissues of the face and jaw with biologically effective doses of light.

BACKGROUND

Light therapy involves irradiating tissues with light. Light can stimulate a variety of biological activities in cells and tissues that are compromised in function. Light therapy treatment is typically administered by a physician or therapist who directs light from a hand-held light emitting device at an affected area. Light emitting devices can be difficult to position consistently over the affected area. Sometimes a tattoo is used to identify the affected area. However, even with a tattoo or other reference mark it is difficult to consistently deliver light therapy treatments to an affected area.

Light therapy typically involves repeated treatments over at least several days. Thus, patients undergoing light therapy may be required to make multiple visits to a practitioner's office or clinic in order to complete a therapy regimen. Such repeated visits may be time consuming and/or expensive.

LEDs and other light sources suitable for generating light for light therapy can get hot when they operate. Such light sources can be inefficient at higher temperatures. Hot apparatus can also be uncomfortable or even dangerous to patients.

The inventor has identified a need or desire for light therapy apparatus which can deliver consistent treatments, particularly to tissues in the dental and maxillofacial areas. There is a particular need or desire for such apparatus that is sufficiently cost-effective and foolproof to be used at home by patients. There is also a need for such apparatus that can be operated without exposing a patient to high temperature surfaces.

SUMMARY

One aspect of this invention provides apparatus for delivering light to tissues of a patient's dental and maxillofacial areas. The apparatus comprises a support that registers against one or more anatomical features of a patient's head and one or more light sources mounted to the support. The light sources illuminate selected tissues of a patient's dental and maxillofacial areas from outside of the patient's mouth. The light sources comprise arrays of LEDs in some embodiments.

In some embodiments the support comprises an intra-oral tray connected to an extra-oral bridge. A light source, such as a light emitting diode (“LED”) array, is mounted to the extra-oral bridge.

In some embodiments, the support comprises a head-set that registers on the bridge of a patient's nose and the patient's ears. A light source, such as a light emitting diode (“LED”) array, is mounted to the head-set.

Other aspects of the invention provide methods for preparing light therapy apparatus and methods for delivering light therapy.

Further aspects of the invention and features of various example embodiments of the invention are described below and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The appended drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a view from the front side of an extra-oral light therapy device having an intra-oral tray, an extra-oral bridge, and left and right side extra-oral LED arrays.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are respectively a cross-section, a front side elevation and a rear elevation of a light source having a cooling fan, a heat sink and two arrays of light emitters.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the device of FIG. 1 with the end of the extra-oral bridge attached to the extra-oral LED array.

FIG. 3 is a view from the front-left side of the extra-oral bridge, intra-oral tray and extra-oral LED array of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view from the rear right side of the extra-oral bridge, intra-oral tray and extra-oral LED array of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view from the left rear side of the extra-oral bridge, intra-oral tray and extra-oral LED array of FIG. 1 with the intra-oral tray detached.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a programmable controller for use with light therapy apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a light therapy device according to an alternative embodiment in which an LED array is supported by a head-set.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a light therapy device according to another alternative embodiment in which an LED array is supported by a head-set.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the light therapy device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of at least one LED array, and a connector detached from the head-set.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an external light therapy device having two LED arrays, a hinge-like member, and an attaching means.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an LED array mounted onto a substrate.

FIG. 11A is a schematic cross section through a portion of a light source having a light emitter and a reflector.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an LED array detached from the substrate.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

FIG. 1 shows an example light therapy apparatus 2 that comprises an extra-oral light source 4 having a right side 1 and a left side 3 (as viewed from the front of the device), an extra-oral bridge 5, and an intra-oral tray 7. Intra-oral tray 7 registers to a patient's teeth. Light source 4 is rigidly connected to intra-oral tray 7 by extra-oral bridge 5. Therefore, a patient can position light source 4 accurately and repeatedly to illuminate a desired location in the patient's dental and maxillofacial areas by inserting intra-oral tray 7 into his or her mouth and biting intra-oral tray 7 so that it registers to at least some of the patient's teeth. This stabilizes light therapy apparatus 2 and positions light source 4 at a desired position. The consistent alignment and targeting of light from light source 4 during subsequent treatments makes the treatments more repeatable.

In the illustrated embodiment, extra-oral bridge 5 is removable from extra-oral light source 4 and intra-oral tray 7. Providing a light therapy apparatus 2 having major components that are detachably connectable to one another adds versatility. A design which permits the major components of the light therapy apparatus to be disassembled and reassembled while preserving alignment of extra-oral light source 4 to intra-oral tray 7 has the advantage that the apparatus can be disassembled for storage or transportation and then used immediately after assembly. FIG. 3 shows light therapy apparatus 2 with extra-oral light source left side 3 detached from extra-oral bridge 5.

Extra-oral bridge 5, extra-oral light source right side 1, and extra-oral light source left side 3 may be secured together via a suitable connector. For example, extra-oral bridge 5, the extra-oral light source right side 1, and the extra-oral light source left side 3 may be connected by inserting male connector portions 6A of the extra-oral light source right and left sides 1 and 3 into corresponding female connector portions 8A of extra-oral bridge 5 (see FIG. 3). Suitably, the suitable connector allows extra-oral light source right and left sides 1 and 3 to be detached from extra-oral bridge 5 for ease of use and flexibility.

In some embodiments, extra-oral light source right and left sides 1 and 3 are rotatable between a sagittal orientation (as shown in FIG. 1) and a vertical orientation (indicated in dotted outline in FIG. 1). Light source right and left sides 1 and 3 can be locked at a desired angle of rotation by any suitable mechanism. This permits light source right and left sides 1 and 3 to be arranged so that the light that they emit fully covers the desired treatment areas.

Intra-oral tray 7 may be connected to extra-oral bridge 5 by way of another suitable connector. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a male portion 6B of intra-oral tray 7 is removably received in a female portion 8B of extra-oral bridge 5. Where intra-oral tray 7 is removable from extra-oral bridge 5, extra-oral bridge 5 may be reused for other patients (after suitable sterilization). Intra-oral tray 7 may be disposed of after it is no longer required by a patient. In some embodiments, extra-oral bridge 5 is non-removably attached to intra-oral tray 7.

Intra-oral tray 7 is intended for insertion into a patient's mouth and is suitably shaped to fit around a patient's teeth. Intra-oral tray 7 may register with a few selected teeth (for example, intra-oral tray 7 may comprise a bite tab) or may fit around the patient's full set of teeth. In one embodiment, the intra-oral tray 7 comprises a frame of a plastic or other suitable material that can serve as a skeleton for a settable material. The frame may be perforated to aid retention of the settable material. The frame may comprise extra-oral bridge 5 or a connector to connect to extra-oral bridge 5.

Prior to being used in the delivery of light therapy, the frame for intra-oral tray 7 may be filled with a suitable settable material (for example a clear vinyl siloxane gel or similar material) which sets around the patient's teeth and subsequently allows repeatable alignment of intra-oral tray 7 in the patient's mouth. Where intra-oral tray 7 could be in the path of light as it travels from light source 4 to target tissues, the material of intra-oral tray 7 should be transparent to the light.

Extra-oral bridge 5 preferably conforms around the jaw line of a patient. The light source right and left sides 1 and 3 are respectively positioned on the right and left sides of a patient's face along the patient's jaw line. Extra-oral bridge 5 may be adjustable to permit alignment of light source left and right sides 1 and 3 with target areas to be irradiated. Light source left and right sides 1 and 3 are extra-oral (outside of the patient's oral cavity). Light can pass from left and right sides 1 and 3 through tissues of the patient's lips and cheeks into target areas on the patient's gums and/or in the patient's jaws.

Light source 4 emits light toward the patient. The light is not necessarily visible light. For example, the light may include or consist of infrared light. Light source 4 comprises an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in some embodiments. Light source 4 has an inner surface 13 (see FIG. 4) that is placed near or against the patient's skin adjacent to the tissues that it is desired to treat. Light is emitted is from inner surface 13 toward the area of treatment. In some embodiments, left and right sides 1 and 3 of light source 4 each have a length similar to a significant fraction of the length of a human jaw. For example, left and right sides 1 and 3 may each have a length of about 20 mm to about 90 mm in some embodiments and about 25 to about 45 or 60 mm in some embodiments. In cases where a light source 4 is intended to treat a localized condition, then light source 4 may be smaller in extent. In some embodiments, light source 4 has optics that emit light in the form of diverging beams. In such cases, light source 4 may be somewhat smaller than the area of tissues to be treated because light from light source 4 will spread somewhat as it passes through the tissues of the patient's lips and cheeks before reaching the tissues of the jaw and or gums to be treated.

Light source 4 may be wide enough to illuminate both upper and lower jaws of a patient simultaneously although in some embodiments light source 4 may be narrower. For example, light source 4 has a width in the range of 12 mm to about 40 mm in some embodiments (e.g. about 15 to 17 mm in some embodiments).

In some embodiments, the light is emitted by arrays of discrete LEDs. The LEDs may be arranged in any of a wide variety of patterns. For example, the LEDs may be arranged in staggered parallel rows to maximize the density of LEDs in the LED array. The LEDs may be arranged to achieve substantially uniform optical intensity over the light-emitting inner surface 13 of light source 4. In some embodiments, each array comprises 50 to 100 LEDs or other light emitters.

It is desirable that the average light intensity produced by light source 4 is at least about 10 mW/cm². In some embodiments, light source 4 has an average intensity that is, or can be adjusted to be, in the range of 20 mW/cm² to about 60 mW/cm². In some embodiments the output of light source 4 is pulsed. In such embodiments, the peak light intensity may be significantly higher than 50 mW/cm².

In some embodiments right light source 4 or its components are flexible so that they can be bent in one or two dimensions (i.e. molded) to conform to the contours of the patient's face. For example, light source 4 may comprise an array of light emitters mounted to a flexible sheet of material that will hold a shape when it is bent. The flexible material can advantageously comprise a metal sheet that can serve as a heat sink or as a thermal path to a heat sink for heat generated by the light emitters. The flexible sheet may be molded to conform to the contours of the patient's face while light therapy apparatus 2 is being fitted.

Light source 4 may include optical elements such as lenses and reflectors to focus and direct light from light source 4 onto a target area. Such optical elements may be suitably encapsulated in plastic or similar material. FIG. 11A shows a portion of a light source 4. A light emitter 11 (which may, for example, comprise a junction in a light-emitting diode or other light-emitting semiconductor device) is located adjacent to a reflective backing 11A. A curved light-reflecting recess 11B is provided adjacent to light emitter 11. Light from light source 11 is reflected in recess 11B to form a beam. The beams from all light emitters of light source 4 combine to illuminate the target tissues. The area covered by the beam will depend upon the tissues which it is desired to treat. In some embodiments, the beams of light emitted by light source 4 diverges to cover an area of tissue larger than the area of the light-emitting part of light source 4. In other embodiments the emitted light converges to provided increased light intensity at the location of the tissues that it is desired to treat. In some embodiments, the emitted light diverges in a beam having an included angle θ in the range of about 45-60°.

Since LEDs and other light emitters give off heat when they are operated, it is desirable to provide a suitable mechanism for dissipating the heat to prevent any parts of light therapy apparatus 2 that could come into contact with a patient's skin from getting too hot. For example, light source 4 may comprise a system for forced air or liquid cooling. A cooling system allows for treatment without the danger of potential burns to the patient and allows for greater efficiency and control of the device.

Extra-oral light source right and left sides 1 and 3 may comprise thermally-conductive LED wafers mounted on a suitable heat sink. Heat from the LED wafers is conducted into the heat sink and dissipated. FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a light source 100 of a type that may be used as light source right and left sides 1 and 3. Light source 100 comprises arrays 102 of LEDs that are mounted to a heat sink 104. Heat sink 104 has pins 106 projecting from its face that is away from LED arrays 102. A fan 110 causes air to flow past pins 106 to carry away excess heat.

To be most effective, the light from light source 4 at the tissues to be treated should have at least a threshold intensity. Light source 4 may be operated in a pulsed mode to facilitate cooling of light source 4 while ensuring that when light source 4 is emitting light, the intensity of emitted light at the tissues to be treated is sufficient to be effective. In some embodiments, the duty cycle of light source 4 is 1:1 or less, in some embodiments 1:2 or less (for each interval in which light source 4 is on, light source 4 is off for two equal intervals). The pulsing of light source 4 may be performed fast enough that light source 4 does not visibly flicker (e.g. at 25 Hz or more) although this is not mandatory.

While the invention is described herein as usefully employing LEDs, other light sources such as lasers could suitably be employed. The character of the light emitted by light source right and left sides 1 and 3 will depend upon the nature of the LEDs or other light emitters in light source 4. It is generally desirable that the emitted light include light in the wavelength range of 620 nm to 1000 nm. In some embodiments the emitted light includes light having a wavelength in at least one of the following wavelength ranges: about 820 to about 890 nm and about 620 to about 680 nm. Light having wavelengths corresponding to one or more of the following ranges may be particularly effective:

-   -   613 nm to 624 nm     -   667 nm to 684 nm     -   750 nm to 773 nm     -   812 nm to 846 nm.         The range 613 nm to 624 nm corresponds to a band at which         reduced cytochrome c oxidase absorbs light. The range 812 nm to         846 nm corresponds to a band at which oxidized cytochrome c         oxidase absorbs light.

The light is substantially monochrome in some embodiments although this is not mandatory. Providing light emitters that emit at multiple wavelengths allows for irradiation over multiple wavelengths for greater biological activity. The light may comprise incoherent light although this is not mandatory. The light may be delivered continuously or pulsed at suitable frequencies and duty cycles.

Invisible infrared light can be clinically effective. In some embodiments in which the emitted light includes infrared light, the emitted light also includes bright visible light. The bright visible light deters users from looking into the light source when it is operating, provides a perceptible indication that the apparatus is operating, and may be useful in properly positioning the device. The visible light may be, but is not necessarily in a wavelength range that is beneficial for light therapy. In some embodiments, the ratio of the intensities of the visible and infrared components of the light is 1 part or less visible light to 5 parts or more infrared light.

The treatment area and desired light characteristics will vary from patient to patient. A physician, dentist or other therapist can determine a light treatment regime for a patient and set up light therapy apparatus 2 to operate light emitters in light source 4 to provide the desired treatment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a programmable controller 15 of a type that may be used to control the operation of light therapy apparatus 2 (or other light therapy apparatus as described below). Programmable controller 15 may be a separate, remote unit or may be directly connected to or integrated with light source 4. Programmable controller 15 may comprise a microprocessor, data store, power supply, clock and associated electronic circuitry. Control parameters are stored in the data store. Programmable controller 15 operates light source 4 according to the parameters in the data store. The parameters may specify one or more of:

-   -   treatment duration;     -   light intensity during the treatment;     -   whether light emitters operate continuously or are pulsed;     -   if the light emitters are pulsed, the rate at which light         emitters are pulsed;     -   if the light emitters are pulsed, the duty cycle at which the         light emitters are pulsed;     -   etc.

If light therapy apparatus has sets of light emitters having different characteristics (e.g. sets of LED that emit light at different wavelengths or sets of light emitters that illuminate target tissues in different locations) then separate control parameters may be provided for different sets of the light emitters. In some embodiments, different sets of parameters are specified for different segments (intervals) of a light treatment. For example, light therapy treatments may be defined for a set of intervals each lasting from a few seconds to a few hundred seconds or a fraction of an hour. Different parameters may be specified for each of the intervals. The intervals are not necessarily equal in length.

In some embodiments, different sets of parameters may be specified for different areas of light source 4. In some cases, some areas of light source 4 may be turned off because the treatment plan for a patient does not require light to be delivered at locations corresponding to those parts of the light source 4.

A physician, dentist, or therapist may program a patient's treatment regimen into programmable controller 15. This may be done, for example, with the aid of suitable software running on a computer that is in data communication with programmable controller 15 or by way of a suitable user interface built into programmable controller 15.

Programmable controller 15 may have one or more pre-set programs built in. As an alternative to, or as an aid to programming controller 15 the physician, dentist, or therapist may select a pre-set program that is appropriate for controlling light therapy apparatus 2 to deliver light to a patient.

A typical treatment regimen provides a dose of light daily. Each of the daily doses of light may be delivered over a period lasting between a few minutes and an hour or so. For example, the inventor has found that daily ½ hour doses of light can be effective and are not unduly inconvenient for patients. A single daily dose appears to be as effective as dividing the same dose into multiple sessions delivered at different times during the day. Examples of possible treatment regimens are:

-   -   Enhancement of bone density by applying light in 5 treatments         per week for 12 weeks. Each treatment lasts ½ hour and         illuminates the tissues of a patient's jaw with light having         wavelengths of 660 nm and 840 nm. The 660 nm light has an         intensity of about 20 mW/cm² at the skin's surface The 840 mn         light has an intensity of about 10 mW/cm² at the skin's surface.     -   Accelerating healing of bone grafts by applying light in daily         treatments for 21 days. Each treatment lasts between 20 minutes         and one hour and illuminates the tissues of a patient's jaw with         light having a wavelength of 618 nm and an intensity of 20         mW/cm² at the skin's surface.

Programmable controller 15 may maintain a log of treatments that have been delivered. For example, controller 15 may log the date and time that each treatment was initiated, the duration of the treatment, and whether or not the treatment was completed. This log can be subsequently reviewed by a dentist, physician, or the like to evaluate whether or not the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen.

Programmable controller 15 has a button or other suitable user patient interface that allows a patient to initiate a treatment according to previously-set parameters in the data store. The patient interface is preferably very simple such that minimal instruction is required to explain to a patient how to use light therapy apparatus 2. Programmable controller 15 may include an audible or visual indicator that generates a signal to remind a patient that it is time for a treatment (or that a scheduled treatment is overdue).

A patient can use light therapy apparatus 2 at home or in another location by operating programmable controller 15 to initiate delivery of a treatment.

Programmable controller 15 may comprise circuitry that monitors temperature at one or more locations in light source 4. The circuitry may monitor a signal modulated by a temperature sensor in light source 4. In the alternative, programmable controller 15 may monitor the current and voltage driving LEDs in light source 4. The current/voltage relationship is temperature-dependent. Thus, by monitoring the current/voltage relationship programmable controller 15 can determine whether the LED is at an undesirably high temperature. Programmable controller 15 may shut off or reduce current to light source 4 (or part of light source 4) when it detects that the temperature of light source 4 is undesirably high (or is trending towards being undesirably high). If light source 4 is equipped with a cooling fan then programmable controller 15 may optionally control the speed of the cooling fan in response to the monitored temperature.

Programmable controller 15 may be configured to maintain a log of treatments delivered by light therapy apparatus 2. The log may be reviewed by a physician, dentist or technician to verify that light therapy device has been used as prescribed by a patient. The log may track the times and durations of light therapy treatments delivered by light therapy apparatus 2 and may also track other features such as operating temperatures, operational status and the like.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a light therapy apparatus 2A having a head-set style arrangement. Light therapy apparatus 2A comprises a head-set 17 and at least one extra-oral light source 19 mounted to head-set 17 by way of a suitable connector 21. Head-set 17 may have the general form of a frame for eyeglasses. In the illustrated embodiment, headset 17 has arms 27 that fit above and around the patient's ears and a frame 29 that fits over the bridge of the patient's nose. Head-set 17 may also include lenses (not shown). Suitably, the lenses may be made of a material that blocks radiation at wavelengths emitted by light source 19 so that the patient's eyes are protected from the radiation. Light source 19 may comprise an array of LEDs or other light emitters.

When head-set 17 has been adjusted to fit an individual patient, frame 29 registers with the bridge of the patient's nose and arms 27 sit on the patient's ears. Head-set 17 will sit on the patient's head in the same way each time it is put on. Head set 17 may be adjusted for fit by adjusting arms 27 which may be made of a firm, resilient material that allows for some flexibility for a better and more secure fit for individual users. In some embodiments, arms 27 can also be adjusted horizontally along their axis. Frame 29 can also be adjustable, for example, by bending to allow for a better and more secure fit. An elastic keeper such as an elastic strap may be provided to hold head-set 17 in place during use.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, connector 21 permits the position of light source 19 to be adjusted both along a horizontal axis 30A and a vertical axis 30B relative to head-set 17. A yoke 31A is mounted to head-set 17 by screws 31B which pass through slot 31C. The position of light source 19 in horizontal direction 30A can be adjusted by loosening screws 31B, sliding yoke 31A to a desired position along slot 31C and retightening screws 31B. Light source 19 is connected to arms 31D of yoke 31A by screws 31E which pass through slots 31F. The vertical position of light source 19 may be adjusted by loosening screws 31E, sliding light source 19 up or down along slots 31F to a desired vertical position and then retightening screws 31E.

In the illustrated embodiment slot 31C is curved when viewed from above. Slot 31C generally follows the curvature of a typical maxillary bone such that light source 19 can effectively be applied against the patient's skin for a range of positions of light source 19 along slot 31C. Since the lower portions of people's faces are typically narrower than upper portions, connector 21 may hold light source 19 so that it is tilted with its lower edge projecting more in the direction of the patient than its upper edge. In some embodiments the angle of tile of light source 19 is adjustable. Head-set 17 may be adjusted so that light source 19 is biased against the patient's face when head set 17 is being worn by a patient.

Many alternative designs for connector 21 may be provided. For example, connector 21 may comprise a bar, rod or similar device that can be clamped or otherwise fastened to head-set 17 and a clip or similar mechanism that fastens light source 19 to the bar, rod or similar device.

As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments light source 19 can be removably detached from head-set 17. This can be convenient for storage or transportation of light therapy apparatus 2A.

In another embodiment, head-set 17 comprises an adjustable strap (not shown) which fits around the crown of a patient's head for securing the extra-oral light therapy device 2A. The adjustable strap can also fit around a patient's chin and extend back to the crown and around the crown of a patient's head. The adjustable strap may be made of a flexible, elastic woven material.

FIG. 10 shows a light therapy apparatus 34 comprising at least one light source 35. Light source 35 comprises at least one light emitter, for example an LED array, mounted on a thin molded substrate 51 (FIG. 11). More than one array of light emitters may be provided in light source 35. For example, the light source 35 shown in FIG. 10 has two arrays of LEDs. Arrays 36 of light emitters may be arranged in lower level 45 and an upper level 47. The upper and lower levels may be separately controlled. The upper and lower levels respectively irradiate tissues of the upper and lower jaws. An attaching means 43 is provided for securing the device to the area of treatment.

A power source and controller, which may comprise a programmable controller 15 as described above, operate light source 35 to emit light according to a desired protocol.

In the example apparatus 34 shown in FIG. 10, light source 35 has a right section 37, a center section 39 and a left section 41. Right section 37 and the left section 41 are respectively supported on the right and left sides of a patient's face. A light source 35 as shown in FIG. 10 may be supported by way of any suitable attaching means including:

-   -   a head-set 17 as described above;     -   an intra-oral tray 7 which may comprise a full tray or one or         more bite tabs as described above;     -   an adhesive such as double-sided adhesive tape;     -   a strap or set of straps; or     -   the like.

The LED arrays may be removably attached to light source 35 by suitable connectors 38 such as ribbon connectors or may be more permanently integrated into light source 35 as illustrated in FIG. 11. Providing removable, repositionable LED arrays on a light source 35 permits LED arrays to be arranged on light source 35 so as to optimally illuminate target tissues. LED arrays may be concentrated to illuminate target tissues while areas of light source 35 that overly non-target tissues do not need to have any LED arrays.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of an LED array 36 of external light therapy device 34 detached from substrate 51. A clip or similar attaching means 53 allows the at least one LED array 36 to be mounted onto substrate 51. Substrate 51 serves as a heat sink as described above. Substrate 51 may be made of aluminum or similar metal that is a good heat conductor. Substrate 51 may be moldable (i.e. flexible in one or two dimensions so that it can be formed to follow contours of a patient's face and, once formed, will retain its shape).

Hinge-like members 49 may be provided between arrays 36 to allow light source 35 to be bent to provide a better fit around the facial area. Hinge-like member 49 may comprise a thin crease 50 or other bend line set into the substrate material, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Hinge-like member 49 allows the center section 39 to fit around a patient's mouth and the right section 37 and the left section 41 to fit around a patient's face.

Apparatus as described herein may be applied to treat a variety of conditions including:

-   -   jaw osteonecrosis,     -   other jaw bone disorders,     -   periodontitis,     -   malocclusion and other conditions treated by orthodontics,     -   stimulation and acceleration of healing after oral surgery or         periodontal surgery,     -   stimulation of the healing of wounds at the locations of bone         grafts,     -   healing and acceleration of osseo-integration of endosseous         dental implants; and,     -   the like.         The application to jaw osteonecrosis permits treatment of a         condition for which existing treatments are highly invasive.         Treating osteonecrosis using light therapy is significantly more         cost-effective and comfortable for the patient than existing         surgical treatment options.

The apparatus may be applied by fitting a support to a patient. The support may comprise a head-set, intra-oral tray, a bite tab, or the like. When the support has been fitted so that it can be repeatably worn by the patient one or more light sources are mounted to the support at locations where light from the light sources can illuminate a treatment area. A treatment regimen is then established. The physician, dentist, or therapist at his office or a patient at his home then performs the prescribed extra-oral light therapy treatment.

An example method for treatment for jaw osteonecrosis, other jaw bone disorders, periodontitis, orthodontics, or for stimulation and acceleration of healing after oral surgery or periodontal surgery or for acceleration of osseo-integration of endosseous dental implants applies extra-oral light therapy device 2. Prior to extra-oral light therapy treatment, intra-oral tray 7 is prepared by filling it with a suitable settable material such as a clear vinyl siloxane gel or similar material. The intra-oral tray is then placed around the patient's teeth to obtain an impression of the patient's teeth. After the settable material sets, intra-oral tray 7 can be used to achieve consistent targeting of light to target tissues bone during subsequent treatments.

A physician, dentist, or therapist programs a patient's prescribed treatment regimen into a programmable controller 15 (see FIG. 6, for example). Programmable controller 15 controls parameters of a light therapy treatment to be delivered by light therapy apparatus 2. For example, controller 15 may control the duration of the treatment, light intensity, pulse frequency, etc. Programmable controller 15 runs a patient's prescribed treatment regimen causing the at least one light source 4 to emit pulsed or continuous light according to the prescribed parameters onto the treatment area. Therefore, stimulating and accelerating bone formation and healing at a patient's treatment area for the treatment of jaw bone disorders and jaw osteonecrosis.

The invention also relates to a method for the treatment and stimulation of soft and hard tissue and the biostimulation of bone. In this method, a light source 35 which may comprise at least one LED array 36 is first attached to the desired area of treatment. A physician, dentist, or therapist programs a patient's prescribed treatment regimen into a programmable controller 15. Programmable controller 15 controls the energy density, pulse frequency and duration of the external light therapy device 34. The programmable controller 15 runs a patient's prescribed treatment regimen causing the at least one LED array 35 to emit pulsed or continuous light at the predetermined rates and frequencies onto the treatment area. The light therapy device can provide effective, stabilized, repeatable, accurate, programmable, and consistent light therapy for the treatment and stimulation of soft and hard tissue and the biostimulation of bone.

Several studies have been carried out to determine the effectiveness of the invention. In one, a retrospective record review of a cohort of 68 QUS (quantitative ultrasound) scanned dental patients from the private practices of two co-investigators as performed. All scans and treatments occurred between 2002 and 2005. Inclusion criteria included: 1) no surgical procedure at an investigative site during or less than one year prior to entry into the study; 2) pre-treatment and post-treatment QUS scans of the maxillofacial region; 3) LED therapy to one or more maxillofacial regions. Exclusion criteria included: 1) a medical condition associated with abnormal bone growth or remodeling, such as Paget's disease of bone, fibrous dysplasia, osteopetrosis, severe systemic osteoporosis, etc.; 2) unwillingness to sign informed consent form; 3) inability to perform daily LED treatments at home; 4) inability to obtain high quality QUS scans of the jaws. An exclusion waiver for the research was provided by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects of the University of Texas in Houston and informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

QUS scans were made immediately prior to LED therapy and immediately thereafter. All scans were performed by the FDA cleared dental QUS device, the Cavitat 4000™ (Cavitat Medical Technologies, Inc, Aurora, Colo.). This device renders a series of 3-dimensional cube images from analog signals generated when an external transmitter sends 27,000 sound pulses per microsecond through the alveolar bone at a speed of 317.6 meters per second, 3.5 mHz, to an intraoral piezo screen held on the lingual aspect of the alveolus. The screen has 64 sensors which detect electrical changes in the screen as sound distorts it. The test is premised on the assumption that sound traveling through LBD (low bone density) becomes attenuated, hitting the receptor screen with less intensity than sound which has traveled through normal bone. The speed of sound is also diminished and so changes in speed are captured and accounted for by the device.

All initial and follow-up QUS scans of alveolar bone were blindly and independently graded, after calibration, by two investigators according to an established 5-point scale, and the following results were shown (Table 1): TABLE 1 Grading categories for individual 3-D cube images (64 columns in each) of the Cavitat QUS images. QUS Grade* Description** 0 “Green bone.” Cube shows no loss of column height and is 100% green; or mild loss of column height in less than ¼ of columns (16 columns); and/or moderate to severe loss of column height in less than 4 non-adjacent columns. I Cube shows mild loss of column height in more than ¼ of columns; and/or moderate loss of column height in 1/16 to ¼ of the columns (5-16 columns); and/or severe loss of height in 1/16 to ⅛ of the columns (5-8 columns). II Cube shows moderate loss of column height in ¼ to ½ of columns (17-32 columns); and/or severe loss of height in ⅛ to ¼ of columns (8-16 columns). III Cube shows moderate loss of column height in more than ½ of columns (32 columns); and/or severe loss of column height in ¼ to ½ of columns (17-32 columns). IV Cube shows severe loss of column height in more than ½ of columns (32 columns). *high grade lesion = Grade III and IV scans; low-grade lesion = Grade I and II scans; “green bone” = normal or Grade 0 scan **definition of loss of column height: mild (crown is green, less than ⅓ loss of height); moderate (crown is yellow or brown, ⅓ to ⅔ loss of height); severe (crown is orange or red, more than ⅔ loss of height)

In case of differences, a consensus grade was arrived at via discussion between the two. QUS grades of positive scans, i.e. scans with grades I-IV before LED therapy were compared with post-therapy scan grades using matched pair analysis.

Patients were treated using the a device made in accordance with the present invention, the investigational OsseoPulse™ (Version 1.0) device (made by Biolux Research Ltd., Vancouver, Canada). The device consists of an extra-oral array of highly-efficient light emitting diodes (LED) producing non-coherent continuous wave monochromatic light in the visible far red (660 nm @ 15 mW/cm2) and infra-red range (840 nm @ 20 mW/cm2). In addition, there was an integral alignment device used to ensure that the LED array was repeatably and accurately positioned directly over the treatment sites. The OsseoPulse device was placed on the facial surface for 15 minutes daily, 5 days a week for 12 weeks on each treatment side. The dose per session per treatment area was approximately 200 Joules per square inch.

Of 1,148 pre-treatment QUS jawbone scans, each representing the area of one tooth, 294 were positive for damaged or abnormal bone. Using the 5-point scale (0=normal; 4=most severe), half of these sites were low grade, i.e. grades 1 or 2, with half being high grade (Table 2): TABLE 2 Results of 294 QUS scans before and after 3 months of daily LED photobiomodulation. Grade Level* # at Pre-Treatment # at Post-Treatment 1 79 120 2 69 54 3 86 53 4 61 40 Mean: 2.43 1.33 *1 = mild LBD/dehydration; 4 = severe LBD/dehydration

The average grade for all 294 positive sites was 2.43. After LED photomodulation the average grade was 1.33 and almost 42% of investigated sites had returned to completely normal bone, while another 54 (18.4%) sites were grade 1 after therapy (Table 2). One would expect that the lower the pre-treatment grade, the larger would be the proportion which returned to normal, since it takes a much greater grade improvement to reach normal from the higher grades. This proved to be the case: regions with pre-treatment grades of 1, 2, 3 and 4 returned to green bone 68.4%, 46.4%, 30.2% and 13.3% of the time, respectively (Table 3): TABLE 3 Post-treatment changes for each pre-treatment grade level, 294 QUS scans. Number of Number @ Grade for each Site at Grade Sites at Post-Treatment* Avg. Level* Pre-Treatment 0** 1** 2** 3** 4** Change 1 79 54 15 8 2 0 −0.54 2 69 32 19 12 4 2 −1.32 3 86 26 17 22 16 5 −1.50 4 60 8 3 10 18 21 −1.32 Mean: 2.43 120 54 52 40 28 −1.11 *1 = mild LBD/dehydration; 4 = severe LBD/dehydration (see Table 1) **Represents grade levels, 0-4, as described in Table 1

Almost 71% of the 294 treated sites demonstrated improvement of at least one QUS grade level, with most of those, 43.4%, dropping by one grade. The post-treatment grade change was relatively uniform all each pretreatment QUS grade level (Table 3). Overall the mean difference, i.e. improvement of bone quality, of −1.11 was very statistically significant (matched pair analysis: Std error 0.06914; t-Ratio −15.9896; DF 293; prob [t] less than 0.0001; 95% confidence interval 0.558-1.242).

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. For example:

-   -   Light therapy apparatus 34 may be applied for treatment and         stimulation of other bone or soft tissues, such as the hip. In         such applications, light source 35 can be attached to a         treatment area with an adhesive such as double-sided adhesive         tape (not shown). Alternatively, the external light therapy         apparatus 34 can be placed or sewn into a pouch, undergarment or         similar garment and attached to the treatment area through means         of a strap, button or similar attaching means (not shown).     -   It is not mandatory that a controller be programmable. For         example, a controller may have controls that allow various         parameters to be set. A physician, therapist or technician may         set those controls so that an appropriate treatment is delivered         when a patient initiates delivery of the treatment.     -   Features or components described in relation to one of the         embodiments described herein may be provided in combination with         components or features of other ones of the example embodiments         described herein. For example, the controller 15 shown in FIG. 6         could be used in conjunction with any of the described         embodiments. Light sources having a property or properties like         those of the light source 4 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1         to 1C could be applied in other embodiments. It is therefore         intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter         introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,         permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their         true spirit and scope. 

1. A light therapy apparatus comprising: a support configured to register with anatomical features of a patient's head; at least one light source mounted to the support and oriented to direct light toward a jaw region of the patient; and a controller operable to drive the light source to irradiate at least a part of the jaw region of the patient.
 2. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support comprises an intra-oral tray that is molded to conform to one or more teeth of the patient and the light source is mounted to an extra-oral bridge that extends from the intra-oral tray.
 3. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the extra-oral bridge is detachably coupled to the intra-oral bridge.
 4. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one light source comprises an extra-oral LED array right side and an extra-oral LED array left side.
 5. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one light source is elongated and is rotatable between a sagittal orientation and a vertical orientation.
 6. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of LEDs in thermal contact with a heat sink and a fan disposed to move air past the heat sink.
 7. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the controller comprises a programmable controller and the controller is connected to control separately light output by first and second groups of light emitters in the light source.
 8. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light source comprises a plurality or emitters of infrared light and a plurality of emitters of visible light.
 9. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light source includes emitters of light in at least one of the wavelength ranges 820 to 890 nm and 620 to 680 nm.
 10. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light source includes emitters that emit light in at least one of the wavelength ranges 613 nm to 624 nm 667 nm to 684 nm 750 nm to 773 nm and 812 nm to 846 nm.
 11. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light source includes emitters that light of a wavelength corresponding to an absorption band of cytochrome c oxidase.
 12. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the absorption band is an absorption band of reduced cytochrome c oxidase.
 13. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the absorption band is an absorption band of oxidized cytochrome c oxidase.
 14. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support comprises a head-set having a first part configured to register with a bridge of a patient's nose.
 15. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the head-set comprises a pair of arms extending rearwardly from the first part, the arms configured to pass over the patient's ears.
 16. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the light source is coupled to the head-set by a coupler wherein a point of attachment of the coupler to the head-set is adjustable.
 17. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the coupler connects the light source to one of the arms and a point of attachment of the coupler to the arm is adjustable.
 18. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the head-set defines a slot extending generally horizontally, the coupler is slidable along the slot, and the apparatus comprises a clamp for locking the coupler at a desired position along the slot.
 19. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 16 comprising a mechanism for adjusting a position of the light source vertically and a mechanism for adjusting a position of the light source horizontally.
 20. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the light source is detachable from the head-set.
 21. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light source is moldable to conform to a shape of the patient's face.
 22. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light source comprises a right section, a center section, and a left section and is flexible in its portions between the center section and the left and right sections.
 23. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 22 comprising a right hinge-like member between the right section and center section and a left hinge-like member between the left section and center section.
 24. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to determine a temperature at the light source and to discontinue operation of the light source if the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature.
 25. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to maintain a log of treatments delivered by the light therapy apparatus.
 26. A light therapy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the controller comprises a stored treatment regimen comprising a plurality of scheduled treatments and an indicator wherein the controller is configured to operate the indicator in response to stored treatment regimen to generate a signal to remind a patient of one of the scheduled treatments.
 27. A method for preparing an apparatus to deliver light therapy to jaw tissues of a patient, the method comprising: fitting a support to register with anatomical features of the patient's head; coupling an extra-oral light source to the fitted support; and aligning the light source adjacent target jaw tissues in the patient.
 28. A method according to claim 27 wherein fitting the support comprises: filling an intra-oral tray with a settable material; inserting the intra-oral tray into the patient's mouth; and, allowing the settable material to set against one or more the patient's teeth to form a fitted intra-oral tray.
 29. A method according to claim 27 wherein fitting the support comprises adjusting a head set to register with the bridge of the patient's nose and the patient's ears.
 30. A method for delivering phototherapy to tissues of the jaws or gums of a patient, the method comprising: supporting a light source adjacent to the face of the patient; operating the light source to ernit light and allowing the light to pass through tissues of one or more of the patient's lips and cheeks to irradiate target tissues in one or more of the patient's jaws and gums.
 31. A method according to claim 30 wherein supporting the light source comprises registering a frame to anatomical features of the patient's head and supporting the light source on the frame.
 32. A method according to claim 30 wherein the emitted light includes light in at least one of the wavelength ranges 820 to 890 nm and 620 to 680 nm.
 33. A method according to claim 30 wherein the emitted light includes light in at least one of the wavelength ranges 613 nm to 624 nm 667 nm to 684 nm 750 nm to 773 nm and 812 nm to 846 nm.
 34. A method according to claim 30 wherein the emitted light includes light of a wavelength corresponding to an absorption band of cytochrome c oxidase.
 35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the absorption band is an absorption band of reduced cytochrome c oxidase.
 36. A method according to claim 34 wherein the absorption band is an absorption band of oxidized cytochrome c oxidase.
 37. A method according to claim 30 comprising pressing the light source against skin of the patient's face.
 38. A method according to claim 30 wherein operating the light source to emit light comprises operating the light source to emit pulses of light.
 39. A method according to claim 38 wherein operating the light source to emit light comprises emitting light having a time-averaged intensity of at least 10 mW/cm² at a light-emitting surface of the light source over a period of at least 10 seconds.
 40. A method according to claim 39 wherein the time-averaged intensity is in the range of 20 mW/cm² to 60 mW/cm².
 41. A method according to claim 30 wherein operating the light source to emit light comprises operating the light source to emit both visible and infrared light.
 42. A method according to claim 41 wherein a ratio of the intensity of the visible light to the infrared light is 1 part or less visible light to 5 parts or more infrared light.
 43. A method according to claim 30 comprising operating the light source to emit light for a period determined by an automatic timer.
 44. A method according to claim 30 comprising, prior to operating the light source to emit light, forming the light source co conform to contours of the face of the patient and during operating the light source to emit light urging the light source against the face of the patient. 